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GENERATION Z TURNING TO BUY NOW PAY LATER SCHEMES TO FUND SPENDING DURING LOCKDOWN

Published: 02/06/2020
  • Nearly a quarter (23%) of 18-24 year-olds say they are likely to use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) credit to fund purchases since the government lockdown
  • 40% of the general population believe it is inappropriate for retailers to advertise BNPL schemes when households are cautious of taking on more debt than necessary
  • Nearly a fifth (18%) of shoppers have noticed more BNPL plans offered to them when shopping online since lockdown was imposed.

26 May 2020 – Young people are relying on non-traditional forms of credit, such as Buy Now Pay Later schemes (BNPL), to cover their finances during lockdown as a result of COVID-19. New research from comparethemarket.com reveals that nearly a quarter (23%) of 18-24 year-olds are more likely to use BNPL to fund purchases since the government lockdown. While only 16% of Generation Z said they had bought items using BNPL, of those who had, almost two thirds (64%) said they had spent more than they would normally on this type of purchase.

The findings are in contrast with the rest of the adult population in the UK where only 7% had made a BNPL purchase since the lockdown was imposed on 23 March 2020. In fact, wider public sentiment may be turning against this form of consumer credit. At a time where many households are wary of taking on more debt than necessary, over half (54%) of respondents said they would never use a BNPL scheme, and two-fifths (40%) believe it is inappropriate for retailers to advertise these schemes.

The option to spread payments into smaller amounts appears to be more attractive to Generation Z than other age groups. Less than a third (31%) of those aged 18-24 agree that is it financially irresponsible for BNPL payment plans to be advertised at the current time. By contrast almost half (46%) of those aged 55-64 agree that it is irresponsible.

Retailers may be placing increased focus on BNPL payments in order to sell products at a time when the pandemic has placed significant pressure on the sector. Nearly a fifth (18%) of shoppers had noticed more BNPL plans being offered to them when shopping online since the lockdown was imposed. This figure jumps to 33% among Generation Z, demonstrating the power of targeted advertising techniques.

Just over one in ten (13%) of people in the UK say they are more likely to use BNPL during lockdown. However, out of those respondents who had noticed more BNPL offers popping up online, the number who would consider using such a credit scheme jumps to almost a third (32%), demonstrating how tempting these online campaigns can be.

The FCA recently announced a three-month interest payment freeze for individuals using BNPL schemes and facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. However, concerns remain around how easy people find managing their debt and staying on top of payments once they have used these schemes.

Results of research carried out by comparethemarket.com before lockdown demonstrated that nearly half (45%) of those who used a BNPL scheme in the last year had missed at least one payment. A similar number (48%) said they had incurred additional fees for a missed payment, and 56% said that missing a BNPL payment resulted in them being unable to pay back other debt payments, such as credit card bills, loan repayments or overdraft fees. Following a missed payment, over half (55%) said they did not wish to use the scheme again.

John Crossley, Head of Money at comparethemarket.com, comments:
“Keeping control of household finances will likely be front of mind for many people during this difficult time. Our research suggests that young people in particular may be turning to alternative credit schemes at a time of growing economic uncertainty. There remain serious concerns, however, over some people’s ability to keep track of their debt and prevent bills from racking up.

“The latest payment freeze announced by the FCA on Buy Now Pay Later purchases is welcome news for those struggling with keeping on top of current payments. Fees and interest terms differ between BNPL providers, but customers should be aware that interest on purchases will still accumulate during the payment freeze and will be payable after the three-month break. If you are struggling financially there are dedicated services to provide help, including money management services and debt charities which offer free confidential advice.”

Notes to editors:

Populus survey on behalf of comparethemarket.com of 2,103 adults. Conducted 15-16th April 2020

Censuswide survey on behalf of comparethemarket.com of 4,003 adults. Conducted 26-28th February 2020

  • 45% who have used a BNPL scheme in the last year say they have missed at least one payment
  • Nearly half of individuals (48%) say they have incurred additional fees for a missed payment.
  • Over half of respondents (56%) who have used a BNPL scheme in the last year, and have missed at least one payment, believe it resulted in them being unable to pay back other payments, such as credit card bills, loans or overdraft fees.
  • Following a missed payment, over half (55%) said they did not wish to use the scheme again.

About comparethemarket.com

comparethemarket.com was launched in 2006 and has grown rapidly over the past fourteen years to become one of the UK’s leading price comparison websites.

comparethemarket.com provides customers with an easy way to make the right choice for them on a wide range of products including motor, home, life, travel and pet insurance as well as utilities and money products such as credit cards and loans.

comparethemarket.com actively works with its brand partners to help provide great services to customers.

comparethemarket.com and comparethemeerkat.com are trading names of Compare The Market Limited. Compare The Market Limited is an insurance intermediary, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 778488).